Alliance will help veterinarians address obesity in pets
AVMA, Hill's Pet Nutrition have developed an awareness and prevention program
Obesity has increased dramatically in the United States during the past 20 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the CDC data describe the human population, other studies indicate that a substantial proportion of American pets also have become obese.
In response, the AVMA and Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. have joined together to help veterinarians and veterinary staff educate clients about the health implications of obesity in cats and dogs. On Jan. 20 at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Fla., the organizations announced the formation of the Alliance for Healthier Pets—Obesity Awareness and Prevention Program. The alliance is offering the 2008 Obesity Awareness and Prevention Kit to veterinary clinics and launching the 2008 PetFit Challenge and PetFit Tour.
"This outreach effort will reinforce the veterinary profession's irreplaceable role in preserving the health and well-being of pets," said Dr. W. Ron DeHaven, AVMA executive vice president. "Obesity-related diseases are robbing beloved pets of both length and quality of life.
"Even more exciting is evidence that, because the human-animal bond and the veterinarian's role in maintaining it are so powerful, this effort will have an indirect benefit to the obesity epidemic we are seeing in our nation's human population."
Encouraging clients to spend more time walking their dogs or playing with their cats could, for example, improve the physical fitness of pets and pet owners alike.
A weighty subject
Veterinarians and veterinary staff may have concerns about discussing pet obesity with clients who are self-conscious about their own weight, who can't identify the problem in their pets, or who overfeed pets when showing affection.
The 2008 Obesity Awareness and Prevention Kit contains materials to assist in starting the conversation with clients regarding the optimal <SNIP> READ FULL STORY HERE
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/feb08/080201a_pf.asp
